Take note of the screw types used in the Game Boy shell (phillips vs. tri-wing*).

Some screws may be missing, aftermarket shells often come with replacement screws.

Shell:

Look for signs of serious damage that may impact the hardware inside.

*Most Game Boy models use tri-wing screws and require a proprietary tri-wing screwdriver. Some of the earliest models only use phillips screws and will not require a tri-wing screwdriver. The easiest way to know is to examine your Game Boy.

If the damage is too severe or your Game Boy is sentimental, it may be in your best interest to find a new one. Modding a Game Boy can have irreversible impact on the device.

There are two motherboards mounted to the Game Boy shell—one to the front half and one to the back.

The two boards are connected by a delicate ribbon cable. This cable connects the front screen to the back motherboard. This cable is very sensitive and extremely vital to the functionality of the screen.

Unplugging and reconnecting this cable can be a risky maneuver to pull off. The wires are easily bent which can cause irreparable damage to the display.

Carefully unplug the ribbon cable to separate each half of the Game Boy. Exercise extreme caution when handling this cable!

Be sure not to lose small pieces like the power switch and link port cover.

Ash is usually nose-deep in latest crypto and blockchain news. When it's time to put work aside, she likes to play fetch with her cat. She has a side hobby of modding old school DMG Game Boys. There's no such thing as too many Game Boys—right? Right?